Orientation and Student Engagement

The provision of all reasonable accommodations is based upon assessment of the impact of the student’s disabilities on his or her performance at a given time in the student’s life. Therefore the university generally requires, and it is in the student’s best interest to provide, recent (within three years) and appropriate documentation relevant to the student’s learning environment. As appropriate to the disability, documentation typically states the diagnosed disability and should include:

• Clearly stated diagnosed disability • Description of functional limitations resulting from the disability • Complete educational, developmental, and medical history relevant to the disability for which accommodation(s) are being requested • Tests (instruments) used with scores/subset scores • Specific, descriptive recommendations to be considered for university-level accommodations, including academic accommodations • Each accommodation must be adequately supported in documentation • Presented on official letterhead and credentials from the evaluator qualified to make the diagnosis whose background is in the relevant clinical area

Documentation can be submitted to: Student Affairs Christopher Newport University 1 Avenue of the Arts Newport News, VA 23606-2998 Email: jacquelyn.barnes@cnu.edu Fax: (757) 594-8439

CNU does not provide diagnostic testing for students.

IEPs, 504 Plans, and Transition Plans alone are usually insufficient documentation.

In some instances, documentation may be outdated or inadequate in scope or content. It may not address the student’s current level of functioning or need for accommodations because observed changes may have occurred in the student’s performance since the previous assessment was conducted. In such cases, it is appropriate to update the evaluation report. Since the purpose of the update is to determine the student’s current need for accommodations, the update, conducted by a qualified professional, should include a rationale for ongoing accommodations.

Essential Core Elements

There are core elements to the liberal arts and sciences experience essential to a Christopher Newport University education. To graduate from Christopher Newport, all students must demonstrate proficiency in logical reasoning through abstract thinking, written communication literacy, second language literacy, mathematical literacy, and economic modeling and analysis. While these requirements cannot be waived, students whose disabilities present challenges in these areas will be reasonably supported in meeting these requirements. Questions about accommodations may be directed to Student Affairs.

Privacy

Evaluation information concerning a student’s disability is private and will be provided to instructional staff members only when they have a legitimate “need to know,” or a request of the student.

ORIENTATION AND

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

We seek to create a foundation of success for all students as they transition to Christopher Newport and provide support throughout their time as a Captain. In addition to the planning and implementation of our formal orientation programs, we are here to support your students as they find community on campus through engagement opportunities.

Follow us on social media to learn about all the programs and opportunities specific to your student’s class year or campus in general. These accounts will follow your student from orientation through commencement with information pertaining to where they are in their CNU experience. Plus, you may even see your student there!

Why should my student get involved?

Encouraging your student to get involved can lead to: • New friends and a network of connections • The development of skills that future employers find valuable • Feeling like a part of the greater community. • Personal growth and leadership development

Whether through participation in a student organization, an on-campus job, attendance at events, research with faculty, or internships and volunteer opportunities in the community, involvement can take many forms. Their time here is the perfect learning laboratory to try new things and figure out where their passion lies. While taking classes in the liberal learning core curriculum helps them explore their academic pursuits, involvement outside of the classroom can help them put this new learning into practice.